OGDCL Partners With Pinstech For Lithium Extraction After Sindh Discovery
The Oil and Gas Development Company Limited (OGDCL) signed an agreement with the Pakistan Institute of Nuclear Science and Technology (Pinstech) to develop commercial-scale lithium extraction technology foll owing the discovery of high-grade lithium in geothermal brines in Sindh.
The state-owned exploration and production company confirmed Pakistan’s first significant lithium discovery after advanced geochemical analysis of formation water from the Wahid Bakhsh Well in Khairpur district found lithium concentrations of 275 milligrams per liter.
According to company officials, the concentration is more than three times the international benchmark of around 90 milligrams per liter that is generally considered suitable for commercial evaluation.
The discovery has prompted OGDCL to accelerate exploration efforts across Sindh. Officials familiar with the development said the company has identified between eight and 10 additional wells for geothermal brine exploration to assess the extent of lithium-bearing formations and determine whether more commercially viable deposits exist.
As part of the next phase, OGDCL and Pinstech will work together to develop indigenous technology capable of extracting lithium from geothermal brines on a commercial scale. The company has also launched a broader evaluation program that includes detailed brine chemistry studies, reservoir mapping, resource confirmation, and economic feasibility assessments in line with internationally recognized standards. International consultants have also been engaged to support future resource estimates and technical studies.
The discovery has also attracted interest from the Heavy Mechanical Complex, which is evaluating the use of locally produced lithium for electric vehicle batteries and defense related applications. Sources said the organization is planning to establish a large scale electric vehicle manufacturing facility, making a domestic supply of lithium strategically important for Pakistan’s emerging clean energy and advanced manufacturing sectors.
Lithium is considered one of the world’s most critical minerals because of its central role in rechargeable batteries used in electric vehicles, energy storage systems, smartphones, laptops, and other electronic devices. Nearly 80 percent of global lithium demand comes from electric vehicle batteries, with consumption expected to rise significantly as countries continue shifting toward cleaner energy systems.
The mineral is also used in aerospace, defense, specialty chemicals, glass, ceramics, industrial lubricants, aluminum alloys, and pharmaceutical products.
According to OGDCL, the lithium concentration recorded at the Wahid Bakhsh Well is comparable to higher grade geothermal brine projects currently being developed in Europe and North America.
Unlike conventional mining, geothermal brine extraction is considered a more environmentally sustainable approach because it can produce geothermal energy while simultaneously recovering lithium, reducing the overall environmental footprint.
Officials cautioned that commercial production remains several years away and will depend on the outcome of ongoing scientific, technical, and economic studies.
However, if future exploration confirms commercially recoverable reserves, the discovery could strengthen Pakistan’s position in global critical mineral supply chains and create new opportunities for industrial development and exports.
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